Overview

Birkbeck, University of London is renowned for its research-intensive approach, particularly in the field of Biology. The institution's commitment to excellence is reflected in its ranking, where Biological Sciences were placed 11th in the UK according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF). This programme not only fosters a rich academic environment but also integrates with the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology (ISMB), a leading centre for interdisciplinary research that merges techniques from various scientific domains to explore biological processes at the molecular level.

Why Biology at Birkbeck?

Birkbeck stands out due to its state-of-the-art facilities and a strong emphasis on research that influences public policy and contributes to scientific advancements. The university's laboratories are equipped with cutting-edge technology for various applications, including protein crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. The academic staff are highly experienced, offering internationally recognised expertise across several key research areas such as microbiology, structural biology, and computational biology.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the Biology MPhil/PhD programme are as follows:

Full-time international students: £15,570 per year
Part-time international students: £7,870 per year
Full-time home students: £5,006 per year
Part-time home students: £2,656 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The Biology MPhil/PhD programme provides a comprehensive research training experience, with a focus on the following areas:

Organismal Biology
Biophysics
Cell Biology
Chemical Biology
Computational Biology
Microbiology
Structural Biology

Students will engage in rigorous research activities and attend a variety of lectures aimed at enhancing their understanding and skills in these fields.

Careers with Biology

Graduates of the Biology MPhil/PhD programme at Birkbeck are well-prepared for careers in various sectors, including academia, biotechnology, and healthcare. Alumni have found success in roles such as research scientists, academic lecturers, and industry consultants, contributing to advancements in biological sciences and related fields.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Biophysics

Cell biology

Chemical biology

Computational biology

Microbiology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months
Part-time
- 84 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-10 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-04-01 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-05-10 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

You can apply at any time during the year for MPhil/PhD.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

300 alternative credits

MPhil - 180 credits

PhD - 120 credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Biology View 259 other Masters in Biology in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Draft a full research proposal

Candidates must usually achieve a minimum upper-second class (2:1) UK honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant subject.

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the standard requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

15570 GBP / year

≈ 15570 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5006 GBP / year

≈ 5006 GBP / year

Additional Details

Part-time home students: £2,539 per year
Part-time international students: £7,525 per year

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Biology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

London

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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